2010 Volume 59 Issue 4 Pages 129-135
Hydrogen embrittlement of mild steel was examined by a slow strain rate test (SSRT) in a solution simulated the concrete with alkaline silica reaction (ASR), and the effects of strain rate and hydrogen evolution reaction current on the fracture strain were investigated. A reduction of the fracture strain was observed when the strain rate was small enough with some extent of hydrogen evolution current. Quasi-cleavage fracture surfaces were observed under hydrogen charging conditions, suggesting hydrogen embrittlement. The entry of hydrogen was effective only when the specimen deformed with necking. On the other hand, the amounts of hydrogen entering in the elastic and the plastic deformation regions before the maximum stress had very little effect against the reduction of fracture strain.
